Met Éireann has forecast 25mm of rain could fall in eastern counties over a 12-hour period today while wet and windy conditions have caused traffic disruptions around Dublin, Galway, Cork and Waterford.

Excess surface water has caused problems on roads in Tralee and Thurles while there is also flooding in Galway.

Motorists are also experiencing poor visibility on the M7 between Dublin and Naas.

There are also 20 minute delays on Dart and commuter services due to high water levels at Seapoint and Greystones.

AA Roadwatch appealed to motorists to drive through water only if they know it is not too deep for their car.

“As driving conditions are expected to be challenging, possible local flooding, we are asking motorists to reduce their speed,” Gardai said in a statement

Met Eireann has forecast 25mm of rain could fall over a 12-hour period from 9am today.

AA Roadwatch appealed to motorists to drive through water only if they know it is not too deep for their car.

Elsewhere Dublin City Council said resources are on standby to attend to flood locations that may arise.

It said the predicted rainfall is considerably less than last October, when 100mm fell in 24 hours, flooding hundreds of homes and cars and leaving two people dead.

"Gullies and river screens in flood-prone areas are being cleaned and monitored during the warning period," it said.

"The city council will have a stock of sandbags placed on standby for strategic deployment.

"Owners of premises that consider themselves at risk of flooding are also advised to make provision to defend their own premises."

It warned that because extreme rainfall events are unpredictable, all parts of the city could be prone to flooding.

"While there is no threat of tidal flooding, the city council, as an additional reassurance to residents in the lower Dodder area, will close the tidal gates at this location," it added.

Gardai also called on motorists to allow extra time for any journeys and take all necessary precautions.

"As driving conditions are expected to be challenging, possible local flooding, we are asking motorists to reduce their speed," a spokesman added.